Technical Apprentice Review

As a Technical Apprentice in the food industry I regularly complete factory audits and inspections. I am involved in the pest control programme and supervise the pest control operative when he visits the site. My favorite task is assisting in customer visits and external audits, as I enjoy meeting new people and I like the pressure! Every morning I examine the micro results from tests taken on the previous days for any results which are out of specification and send these on to the managers at site. The best thing about my apprenticeship is the opportunity to gain hands on experience, I am able to gain experience in the area which I am currently studying at school.

The skills I have gained while at work are much more valuable to me than those learnt by listening or reading at university. practical experience enhances my learning much more than reading or listening. I also get the opportunity to practice these skills on multiple occasions and then I am relied on to continue this in certain roles.

I really enjoy the excitement of the food industry. I have always enjoyed biology and food separately but I now find myself relating the two while at work. It can be hard to self motivate to study as I only attend University a few times a year, but if I keep up to date with my weekly reading I find this is much easier to stay on top of. It is really motivating that while working and earning a wage I am also gaining a degree and experience in the industry.

I sometimes feel my skills are under estimated by my peers and that I can help with tasks but they do not ask me/ or feel like they want me to help. I offer my help but sometimes it goes un appreciated. I would like to be involved even more so on visits and be considered for visits and training days which my managers feel may be of importance. I do feel a bit undervalued and isolated by my site particularly that my peers on the same course as I have different benefits than myself, all other apprentices on my course at my level receive 25 days holiday where as I am limited to 20. this is difficult as being an Apprentice you have to juggle work, university and a social life. therefore I often find myself not socializing at weekends and completing university work, therefore my peers with the extra 5 days then have more of an opportunity to use holidays to catch up with university when they are under pressure allowing them to refresh and re gain energy over the weekends.

I was the first apprentice at my site on this course so initially the course had no structure in the workplace and initially I lacked jobs to do. Now I am confident with my colleagues I ensure I ask for work to do and I am invited to be involved in more projects. I originally was unsure and uncertain about the university structure and how it all worked as I was given little information. But now I understand the course and have been able to ask questions and talk to my peers to understand better.

My university posts regularly but sometimes it is difficult only attending university such limited times throughout the year. Although when I do call or email the university they are very good at responding. My tutor is also good at visiting me regularly for catch ups.

I have regular meetings with my line manager and senior manager and also a few with the HR manager this is great to discuss my workload and my plans for the future. it also gives opportunity to raise concerns (not that there are many very often). Its fantastic that the university have advised the company to appoint a mentor which works at my site although this mentor is my line manager which is great as we get on well although means I have limited things I can discuss.

It is great that when I attend university my hotel is booked through the company therefore I don't have to outlay this expense although when I attend university for the week costs can accumulate in food and fuel which I then claim back in expenses but this can take a matter of weeks. I have had a pay rise since completing my first year at university though which is a great confidence boost in that what I am doing is noticed and appreciated.

I am part of the East Midlands Apprentice Ambassador network which is a great opportunity to spread the good news of apprentices to the young community. I also have the opportunity by work to attend external courses which is great as I enjoy learning and attending courses with teachers is fantastic. My department try to arrange quarterly team meals out which are great to build relationships and get to know each other further.

Yes

The food industry is really exciting and it is fantastic to be apart of such a large company with many UK and internal sites.

Make sure you have an interest in the food industry or in food and science combined. Having completed A levels in Biology and Maths is a massive help also.